Zionist Administration Proposes an Inquiry on Opposition Charges

May 18, 1928

The present administration of the Zionist Organization of America under attack by the recent opposition conference held in Washington, has decided to call for a thorough investigation of its acts, to be conducted by an impartial body appointed by Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organization, according to announcement in today’s issue of “The New Palestine,” official organ of the Zionist Organization of America.

The administration’s offer to have itself investigated by an impartial body is the result of recent charges and allegations which the administration declares to be unfounded and is therefore willing to have a non-partisan inquiry.

The announcement of the commission of inquiry declares that the Zionist district and Hadassah chapter of Philadelphia first asked the Administrative Committee of the Zionist Organization “to arbitrate the issues involved in the controversy that has arisen between Hadassah and the Zionist Organization, with Dr. Chaim Weizmann to head the arbitration committee.”

The full announcement with regard to the action taken by the Administrative Committee is made as follows:

“At a meeting of the Administrative Committee of the Zionist Organization of America, held on Wednesday evening, May 9th, a communication was read from the Zionist District and Hadassah Chapter of Philadelphia, in which the Administrative Committee was asked to arbitrate the issues involved in the controversy that has arisen between Hadassah and the Zionist Organization, with Dr. Chaim Weizmann to head the arbitration committee.

“In its reply to the Philadelphia Zionists, the Administrative Committee declared that the issues involved in the controversy are not matters for arbitration and that the convention of the Zionist Organization of America is the supreme authority on matters of Zionist policy. The Administrative Committee stated that apart from the issues raised, charges have been brought against the integrity of its membership which are not by any means subject to arbitration. The Administrative Committee therefore decided and accordingly informed the Philadelphia Zionists that it would welcome the appointment by Dr. Weizmann of a committee of impartial persons in whom the public would have confidence, which will be given power and authority to investigate the facts and make public its report as to whether there is any basis for charging misconduct on the part of the Administration. To that end, the Administrative Committee suggested to the Philadelphia Zionists that they obtain the consent of Dr. Weizmann to take action in accordance with the proposal made.”

The Jewish Daily Bulletin learns that the commission would consist of three well known American Jews held in high esteem by the public, who are not directly affiliated with the Zionist Organization of America.